Grid and asset optimization
Jim West
Jim West retired in 2022 after a 40-year career in the utility industry. Most recently, he was vice president and chief customer officer at Memphis Light, Gas and Water—the largest three-service public utility in the US. Previously, he was the assistant general manager at Snohomish County PUD where he also served as the board chair for the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance and as a board member for the Alliance to Save Energy. Jim also worked at Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for more than 20 years.
Emily Roberson
Emily Roberson is responsible for supporting utility partners that benefit from the E Source research and advisory events and memberships. She works closely with E Source collaborative members who are addressing challenges related to affordability, equity, customer experience, and customer program participation.
Mike Hedlund
Mike Hedlund is a lead research analyst on the Customer Energy Solutions team. He focuses on technologies that enable energy efficiency and decarbonization. Prior to joining E Source, Mike worked for Xcel Energy performing engineering analysis to support demand-side management programs. Mike holds a BS in mechanical engineering from the University of Miami.
Karen Lefkowitz
Karen Lefkowitz serves as director for the Beyond the Meter Service and has over four decades of experience as an executive in the energy and technology industries. She has most recently delivered expert-level consultation on many topics, including smart grid issues, cybersecurity for energy systems, renewable energy, and the effects of transportation electrification plans on customers and communities.
Andrew Rickels
Andrew Rickels is a Data Analyst at E Source, where he primarily focuses on updating and maintaining data tools such as DSMdat and DSM Insights. Andrew is also in the process of earning his master’s degree in sustainable urban planning at George Washington University. He plans to graduate in Spring 2025.Before joining the team at E Source, Andrew spent a year volunteering with AmeriCorps in Wisconsin. Andrew received his bachelor’s degree in environmental geography from Colgate University in 2021.
How should we communicate about our transition to renewables?
Q:How do we tell our customers we’re planning to shift some of our generation mix to renewables but currently need to balance the resources on the grid? How have other utilities educated their customers on the reality of energy and how the transition to renewables takes time?
A:When talking to customers about the balance of resources on the grid, utilities incorporate messaging around the following points:
Who cares about climate? Your customers do, and they want you to care too
You’ve heard about climate change for decades: The world is warming, and humans are to blame. The energy industry’s role is significant and undeniable, but utilities have largely shied away from discussing this polarizing issue with their customers. Are we being too timid, afraid to stir the pot or take a stance?
What does the future of the utility industry look like?
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Michael Hartnack
Michael Hartnack is a senior director for the Mobility Service, Distributed Energy Resource Strategy Service, and Technology Assessment Service. In this position, he works closely with utilities and helps them leverage electrification, decarbonization, and mobility technologies to meet their key goals. Michael also oversees all E Source engagements with nonutilities. Before joining E Source, Michael led the Neural Grid and Advanced Transmission and Distribution Technologies research solutions at Guidehouse Insights (formerly Navigant Research).